MEDIA — Robert Williams spent 15 months as a prisoner during World War II after his plane was shot down over Germany in February 1944.

As the Russians pushed across Poland near the war’s conclusion, Williams said the Germans forced their captives to move.

“We walked 700 miles through all kinds of weather — rain, snow,” Williams said. “The British 2nd Army caught up with us.”

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After being liberated by the British troops, Williams eventually ended up sailing home on a Liberty ship that he helped build while working at Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. in Chester.

Williams was fortunate to return home. Since the beginning of World War I, there are more than 92,000 military personnel whose fates remain unknown.

To honor their memory, Delaware County Council installed a POW-MIA Chair of Honor at the county government center. Williams joined Ralph Galati, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and members of the Rolling Thunder for the unveiling Wednesday.

Williams and Galati, both of Wallingford, received standing ovations for their service.

“I appreciate the return I’m getting from these people,” said Williams, who also participated in Media’s Memorial Day parade.

The Chair of Honor is part of a national initiative being advocated by the Rolling Thunder to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. The first chair was installed last year at Fenway Park in Boston.

County council is the first governmental entity in Pennsylvania to install a chair, Councilman Mario Civera said. The county also was the first to fly a POW flag in 1983.

“We are bound by our personal honor to ensure that the memory of them is never diminished,” Civera said.

Galati, a fighter pilot for eight years, said he always has been proud of the recognition Delaware County has given to veterans, noting the veteran memorial in Newtown Square.

“I’ve just always been proud of the role Delaware County has done in support of veterans,” Galati said, noting soldiers did not experience the same respect in the 1970s as they do today. “That’s nice to see that soldiers are appreciated, even if you don’t agree with the mission.”

Galati was 23 when he was sent to Vietnam as a lieutenant with little combat experience.

“You relied on your faith, you relied on your family and you relied on your training to do the right thing,” Galati said.

“It was invigorating,” he said. “I hadn’t seen my daughter, who was born while I was over there. She was 1½. ... It was very welcoming.”

The Chair of Honor joins the Armed Services Tribute Board and the Blue Star Flag as county recognition given to military personnel.

“We will never forget our veterans,” Civera said.

About the Author

John Kopp is a reporter for the Delaware County Daily Times, who covers state and county politics. Follow him on Twitter @DT_JohnKopp Reach the author at jkopp@delcotimes.com
or follow John on Twitter: @DT_JohnKopp.